Financial Issues For Problem/Pathological Gamblers. Marc Lefkowitz CCGC, NCGC

Transcription

1 Financial Issues For Problem/Pathological Gamblers Marc Lefkowitz CCGC, NCGC

2 It s Not About the Money and It s All About the Money!

3 Everybody Gambles!

4 Greater Opportunities Dramatic increase in gambling opportunities Casino gambling in 37 states Internet gambling Marketing and government endorsement The next wave Increase in money seeking opportunities Credit cards Home equity Payday loans Retirement accounts Scams and embezzlement

5 Gambling To play a game of chance for stakes or money. To bet on the outcome of a game or contest. To take a risk in hope of gaining an advantage

6 DSM IV Pathological Gambling A progressive disorder characterized by a continuous or periodic loss of control over gambling and with obtaining money with which to gamble; irrational thinking; and a continuation of the behavior despite adverse consequences. (Rosenthal)

7 Types Of Gamblers Escape Gamblers Gambling to escape problems in business or personal life Usually plays against machines and avoids human contact Household money, bad checks, embezzlement Action Gamblers Gambling as an extension of an individual s esteem Desire to be a Big Shot or High Roller Will take more chances to obtain money

8 Can t Stop Gambling Personality Changes Careless About Spouse/Family Heavy Borrowing Covering Up/Lying Occasional Gambling Excitement Fantasies about Winning Increased Amounts Bet Big Win Marked Increase in Amount/Time Gambling Panic Gambling Progression Robert L. Custer, MD Remorse Preoccupied With Gambling Losing Time From Work Alienation From Family & Friends Bailouts Illegal Acts HOPELESSNESS Suicide Thoughts & Attempts Arrests Divorce Alcohol Emotional Breakdown Withdrawal Symptoms Insight to Self Preoccupation with Gambling Decreases Giving Affection to Others Facing Problems Promptly New Way of Life Self Respect Returning Developing Goals Honest Desire for help Realistic, Stops Gambling Hopeful Decision Making Paying bills New Interests Responsible Thinking Improved Relationships With Spouse and Family

9 Indicators of Problem Gambling Increase in size of bets Diversion of funds earmarked for other purposes Boasting wins; evading loses Exaggerated display of money and other possessions

10 Gamblers Quest for Money Cash and Savings Credit Cards Bank Loans, Home Equity, Retirement Accounts Finance Companies, Payday Loans, Quick Cash Family, Friends, Employer Loan Sharks, Juice Men Bad Checks White Collar Crime, Embezzlement, Scams Hardcore Crime

11 Gamblers Anonymous Pressure Relief Gamblers Anonymous method for dealing with financial matters. Help alleviate financial, marital, legal and employer problems. Member must have at least 30 days of abstinence and most often include spouse or significant other. Member receives forms at a meeting, or can be purchased at gamblersanonymous.org (Pressure Relief Group Meeting Pamphlet and Financial Forms, also available on CD-Rom).

12 Gamblers Anonymous Pressure Relief Pressure Relief Forms Letter to creditors Extremely detailed budget List of creditors and amounts (prioritized) Income Payback schedule It s not always about the money Families need to protect themselves

13 Talking About Money With Clients

14 Some Quick Money Exercises Money Exercise (Handout) Questions About Life and Money (Handout)

15 Listening Talking to clients about money begins with listening.

16 Listening We are trained clinicians What do we listen for when our clients speak to us?

17 Listening Listening with clinical ears: Which financial issues are mentioned? Does the client mention debts, pastdue bills or other financial problems? Is there a stable source of income?

18 Listening Do your clients know that you want to learn more about their difficulties with money? How will they know?

19 Asking Questions Ask concrete questions. At first it may feel invasive to ask probing financial questions. Ask the questions anyway ACQUISITIVE DESIRE: ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT Kottler, Montgomery and Shepard

20 Asking Questions Simple and direct questions will help clients talk about their finances: How many bank accounts and credit cards do you have at this time? Do you have credit card debt? How much? What did you purchase with that debt? What do you do with your bills and monthly statements when they arrive?

21 Asking Questions Simple and direct What are your favorite possessions? When and how did you pay for them? If you have any money left over after you pay your bills, what do you do with that extra money?

22 Asking Questions Simple and direct If you could change one thing that would improve your relationship with money, what would it be? How can I help you make that change?

23 Asking Questions At first, it may feel uncomfortable to ask probing financial questions. With a little practice, financial questions will become just as comfortable as the other clinical questions you ask your clients

24 Our Consumer Way of Life Our enormously productive economy demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction, our ego satisfaction, in consumption Victor Lebow, U.S. retailing analyst following World War II YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE, Dominguez & Robins

25 Why Talk About Money? 73% of Americans report that money issues are their number one stressor, ahead of work, physical health and children. Survey, March 31, 2004 American Psychological Association

26 Personal Finance Worksheets (Handouts) Barriers to Money Triggers Self Test for Financial Troubles Track the Money You Spend SNAPSHOT Monthly Income & Expenses Balance Sheet for Liabilities and Assets Pay Your Monthly Bills Simply

27 CONCLUSION As gambling/substance abuse treatment counselors/therapists, is it within your scope of practice to ask clients probing financial questions? What might be the benefits?

28 Financial Issues For Problem/Pathological Gamblers Marc Lefkowitz CCGC, NCGC